Ospreys coach Sean Holley admits retaining title will be tough - but still sets that target

Ospreys have the motivation of trying to become the first team to retain the
Magners League title when they kick off the new season with an exacting trip
to Ulster.

Here we go: the captains of the 12 Magners League clubs gather for the traditional pre-season photoPhoto: PA WIRE

By Graham Clutton

7:30AM BST 03 Sep 2010

The Welsh region became the first winners of the Grand Final in May and are now keen to clinch their fourth Celtic title in seven seasons.

But coach Sean Holley believes finishing on top of the pile this time around will be their toughest domestic examination to date. Of the twelve teams in the league, seven are genuine contenders while the two new Italian sides, Treviso and Aironi, appear well equipped to at least provide those well-versed in Magners rugby with a genuine test of character.

Holley, whose team will kick off the new campaign without injured trio Ryan Jones, James Hook and Mike Phillips, said: "Last year showed what a competitive league the Magners is. However, I think this season will be even harder. The introduction of the Italian teams will make life harder for all of us, while the emergence of Glasgow and the quality of the traditionally strong sides like Cardiff Blues, Munster and Leinster, makes it the toughest line-up yet. We will certainly not be resting on our laurels.

"Since the inception of Celtic League rugby in 2001 no side has won and then retained the title. So, we want to be proud champions and successfully defend that title."

While the Ospreys are in Belfast, Glasgow, who finished third last season, take on a below-strength Leinster, who were beaten in last season's Grand Final in Dublin.

Elsewhere among the opening fixtures Connacht, who have finished at the foot of the ladder for the past three seasons, take on a Dragons side who have recruited well. Among those arriving at Rodney Parade are former Worcester Warriors outside-half Matthew Jones plus Scott Morgan and Robin Sowden-Taylor, who arrive from a Cardiff Blues side who kick off at home against Edinburgh.

Munster, winners in 2008-09, host Aironi in Cork and the Scarlets, who could be one of the dark horses this term, make the long trip to Treviso.